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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is stepping down after more than two decades serving on the Supreme Court. Analysts said Justice Breyer was a key member of the liberal wing and President Joe Biden’s nominee can alter our highest court.
Justice Stephen Breyer made his official announcement he was stepping down after serving nearly 28 years as a Supreme Court Justice. Breyer’s retirement is paving the way for President Biden to fill his seat. So how will Biden’s potential pick shake up the Supreme Court?
“I think from an ideological standpoint its likely to look similar,” said Todd belt, a professor and director of political management at George Washington University. Belt said Biden’s pick will essentially replace one liberal justice with another.
“Donald Trump’s placements really tilted the power of the Supreme Court to the conservative side,” said Belt. “Democrats are really excited they don’t lose anymore.”
Biden’s pick will most likely be a historic one
“I have made no decision except one,” said President Biden. “The person who I nominate will be someone with extraordinary qualifications of character, experience and integrity and that person will be the first Black woman nominated ever to the Supreme Court. It’s long overdue in my view.”
Belt said the confirmation process has to move quickly to secure Biden’s nomination before elections come around.
“And its not likely he will have many more opportunities because we know that Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has said if Republicans take over this time next year that Joe Biden won’t get any more nominees confirmed for the Supreme Court.”
Senate Minority Leader McConnell dodged questions on Wednesday if Republicans would try to block Biden’s nominations but Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D- NY) is eager to get the process going.
“In the Senate we want to be deliberate we want to move quickly, we want to move as soon as possible,” said Schumer.
Justice Breyer said he will officially step down from the Supreme Court in June or July. President Biden said he will finalize his SCOTUS nominee by the end of February.
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